Newsletter

Public safety summary

Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team agents on Wednesday night seized about 30 pounds of marijuana from two residences, as well as about $8,000 in cash and four guns. (Photo provided by CNT)

One man has died and his brother is hospitalized in serious condition after both were shot in their home Wednesday night.

Maurice Antwan James, 25, was declared dead at Memorial University Medical Center after the 7:30 p.m. shooting in the 700 block of West 49th Street, said Julian Miller, Savannah-Chatham police spokesman.

Miller said Violent Crimes detectives continue to investigate the shootings.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call Crimestoppers at 912-234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637). In the body type, include “CStop2020” plus the tip. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

30 pounds of pot, guns found in busts

Six people have been arrested following the seizure of a large amount of marijuana and weapons by the Chatham-Savannah Counter Narcotics Team.

For the past few weeks, CNT had been investigating suspected drug activity occurring at two residences located within Chatham County that CNT believed were connected in the illegal distribution of drugs sales, said Gene Harley, CNT spokesman.

Agents working in an undercover capacity began looking into 545 E. Harris St. in and identified 22-year-old Christopher Disilvestro as their primary suspect. Additionally, agents identified 22-year-old Benton Oliver, 20-year-old Mason Crecy and 17-year-old Loyd Hodges as additional persons of interest.

Agents also began investigating 3312 Falligant Ave. in Thunderbolt, identifying 35-year-old Wendell Butler Jr. and 32-year-old Lisa Bimber as the primary suspects in connection with that address.

About 9 p.m. Wednesday, CNT executed a search warrant at Disilvestro’s residence that resulted in the seizure of approximately three pounds of marijuana and more than $4,000 in cash. An additional search warrant at the Falligant Avenue address shortly after 3:30 a.m. Thursday found approximately 28 pounds of marijuana, four guns and more than $4,000 in cash.

Also seized in the operation were three vehicles. The seized marijuana has an estimated street value of more than $100,000.

Crecy was charged with possession of marijuana. Disilvestro, Oliver and Hodges were all charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute in addition to other felony-related drug charges.

Both Butler Jr. and Bimber were charged with trafficking marijuana and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime in addition to other felony-related charges.

All six were taken to the Chatham County jail.

The Savannah-Chatham police department, metro K-9 Unit and the Thunderbolt police department partnered with CNT on the busts.

Robber faces more charges

Four additional felony charges were served Thursday on an 18-year-old Savannah man already charged with armed robbery and aggravated sodomy on Wednesday.

The additional charges against Kevin Andre Johnson were filed after Savannah-Chatham police robbery detectives determined he had knocked a 54-year-old man and his 5-year-old daughter to the ground and forced an 11-year-old boy to give him $5 last Friday.

The new charges include armed robbery, aggravated assault with intent to rob, and two counts of cruelty to children in the first degree, said Julian Miller, police spokesman.

That robbery took place at West 54th and Montgomery streets as the victim, who was walking with the aid of two canes, and his children were going home from a store about 5 p.m.

Johnson had been charged with the original two felonies and possession of marijuana Wednesday after detectives investigating the robbery of a pizza delivery driver Sunday in the 600 block of West 54th Street saw that he fit the description of the suspect.

The investigation is continuing.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 912-234-2020 or text CRIMES (274637). In the body type, include “CStop2020” plus the tip. Tipsters remain anonymous and may qualify for a cash reward.

Savannah Coast Guard saves sailor

A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew medically evacuated a sailor from the USS Carney about 70 miles east of Jacksonville, Fla., Thursday.

Naval crewmembers aboard the Carney contacted watchstanders at the 7th Coast Guard District Command Center to request a medical evacuation for the 45-year-old senior chief petty officer, reporting he was experiencing stroke-like symptoms.

After consulting with a Coast Guard flight surgeon, a medical evacuation was determined necessary, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Potter. A helicopter crew from Air Station Savannah launched aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and met the Carney at sea at 12:45 a.m. Thursday.

Coast Guardsmen airlifted the, man then took him to Jacksonville International Airport where awaiting Emergency Medical Services then transported him to Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville.

The man’s current condition is unknown and his name is not being released, Potter said.